Mexican War

Objectives Learn the causes of the war. Learn how the United States won the war. Learn what the United States gained territorially from the war.

Texas’ Independence The government of Mexico never recognizes Santa Anna’s treaty granting Texas its independence.

Annexation of Texas Texas tries to join the United States but it will not occur until February 28, 1845.

Disputed Border The United States recognizes the Rio Grande River as the boundary. Mexico recognizes the Nueces River.

Mexico’s Politics Jose HerreraMariano Parades

General Zachary Taylor General Zachary Taylor moves American forces from their camps on the Nueces to the Rio Brand.

Parades Orders Attack Parades orders Mexican forces to attack on April 4, On the 23 rd, he declares war on the United States.

Congress Declares War Claiming this is an attack against U.S. soil, President Polk asks Congress to declare war.

Stephen W. Kearney Stephen Watts Kearney leads the “Army of the West”. A force of 1,500 men.

Kearny’s March Stephen Watts Kearney leads the “Army of the West” on a march from Fort Leavenworth to Santa Fe New Mexico and captures the garrison on August 18, 1846.

General Zachary Taylor Taylor’s army invaded northern Mexico in September, Near Monterey, American forces attack on September 2. Jefferson Davis plays a key role for the Americans. On February 22, 1847, Battle of Buena Vista U.S. troops defeat a larger Mexican force. Captain Braxton Bragg’s artillery saves the day. Fighting ends in northern Mexico.

Taylor’s March

Important Officers Jefferson DavisBraxton Bragg

General Winfield Scott Scott lands at Veracruz March 10, Marches 12,000 troops toward Mexico City. At Battle of Cerro Gordo, April 18, engineers Robert E. Lee, George B. McClellan, Joseph E. Johnston, and P. G. T. Beauregard build roads that allow the Americans to surround the Mexican Army. At Chapultepec, Mexico’s military academy, American officers U. S. Grant and Thomas J. Jackson earn distinction on September 12.

Scott’s Campaign

Important Officers Robert E. LeeGeorge B. McClellan

Important Officers Joseph E. JohnstonP. G. T. Beauregard

Important Officers U. S. GrantThomas J. Jackson

Santa Anna Flees Country On September 16, Santa Anna resigns and goes into exile.

Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo Nicholas Trist begins negotiations to end the war. Treaty is ratified on March 10, 1848.

American Gains Mexico cedes California, and New Mexico to the United States. Texas’ southern border is the Rio Grande. United States gains 3.1 million square miles of territory. Manifest Destiny has been achieved.